CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci joined the Illinois Secretary of State in announcing libraries in Champaign, Rantoul and Urbana will benefit from more than $205,000 in state funds through the Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant program.

“This funding is crucial for helping our libraries address the specific needs of our residents,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “By improving access to essential services and bridging gaps in funding, we’re empowering libraries across our state to become hubs of learning, engagement and connection for our communities.”

DANVILLE – State Senator Paul Faraci joined the Illinois Secretary of State in announcing libraries in Danville, Westville and Oakwood will benefit from more than $68,000 in state funds through the Secretary of State’s Public Library Per Capita and Equalization Aid Grant program.

“No matter your age, there are many ways to benefit from services provided at local libraries,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “It’s essential to keep funding our libraries because these investments result in more resources for the community and help ensure they stay accessible for years to come.”

CHAMPAIGN – State Senator Paul Faraci secured $250,000 in grant funding to boost tourism in East Central Illinois.

“Investments in tourism are especially vital for our area, bolstering our local economies with job growth and increased business opportunities,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “East Central Illinois has so many unique businesses and attractions to offer, and I’m proud to help secure funding to encourage both national and international visitors to not just our communities, but our state as a whole.”

Administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, a total of $6.3 million was awarded to 36 grantees through the Route 66 Grant Program, Tourism Attractions Grant Program and Tourism Private Sector Grant Program.

CHAMPAIGN – Thanks to efforts from State Senator Paul Faraci, over $4.9 million in state funding is heading to Champaign, Savoy and Rantoul to build safer sidewalks, bike lanes and shared-use paths as part of Illinois’ ongoing push to modernize transportation and improve local infrastructure.

“This is about building smarter, safer communities where people can move freely and feel good doing it,” said Faraci (D-Champaign). “From students walking to school to families out for a bike ride, these projects are investments in the way residents live day-to-day.”  

Faraci announced three projects in Champaign County are among 66 statewide improvements receiving support totaling $139.2 million through the Illinois Transportation Enhancement Program – a flagship initiative of the state’s Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan aimed at modernizing local transportation systems and making communities more accessible and connected.